Lincoln created the full-size luxury SUV segment, and the 2014 Navigator does a fine job carrying on the tradition. The 8-passenger Lincoln Navigator for 2014 has many rivals, chiefly the Cadillac Escalade, Infiniti QX80 and the Lexus LX. But it still has a leg up on all of them with a higher tow rating, more interior room and power-operated 3rd-row seats that, unlike the Cadillac and Lexus, fold flush into the floor. The Navigator's high-tech roster isn't as up-to-date as other Lincoln products, however, and its interior is beginning to look dated. Still, the Navigator is big, impressive and somewhat intimidating to others in its path, which is probably why so many owners love it.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you need to carry lots of people and tow heavy objects and your status in life affords you the finer things in life, the 2014 Lincoln Navigator outclasses more generic SUVs by a country mile.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you need room for six and are more impressed by good fuel economy and precise handling than towing, a crossover SUV such as the Audi Q7, Infiniti QX60 or even the Lincoln MKT makes a better choice.

What's New for 2014

Other than some new colors, the Lincoln Navigator luxury SUV remains unchanged for 2014.

electronic stability programs, ensure a smooth and controlled ride. The Navigator's variable-boost power steering helps firm up steering feel at freeway speeds and lighten it when more effort is required, such as when parallel parking. Overall ride quality isn't as good as in more modern crossover SUVs, but it is far from truck-like, either. The big 5.4-liter V8 seems to struggle a bit when the Navigator is fully loaded, but it manages to get up to speed eventually and has ample torque for towing and passing. Strong brakes haul down the big SUV with authority. The extra-long L version feels heavier (because it is), yet drives very similarly. Both are uncannily quiet inside due to an acoustic windshield, thick side glass and superb sound insulation.

POWER-DEPLOYABLE RUNNING BOARDSTo ease climbing into and out of this lofty SUV, the 2014 Lincoln Navigator offers standard power running boards that automatically extend when any door is opened and retract once all doors are closed.

2014 Lincoln Navigator L Details

Interior

Depending on the 2nd-row seating configuration, the 2014 Lincoln Navigator can accommodate up to eight passengers as well as enough gear to stage a big family picnic. Opting for the 2nd-row captain's chairs drops the Navigator's seating capacity to seven but gains a convenient center console nestled between the two seats. The Navigator's expansive interior (and the overall bulk necessary to enclose such a space) begins to make sense if you frequently fill all those seats. On the longer-wheelbase Navigator L, most of the additional length is dedicated to cargo space behind the 3rd-row seat.

Exterior

The 2014 Lincoln Navigator is big and bold, and it is styled to accentuate those proportions and make its presence felt on the road. Its flashy exterior is characterized by a massive chrome grille, large xenon headlights and scores of chrome accents. The Navigator rides on standard 18-inch bright-machined alloy wheels; 20-inch chrome wheels and tires that really fill the fenders are an option. Although the power liftgate and power-folding 3rd-row seats help, the Navigator's tall load-in height can make packing cargo a little challenging. The elevated step-in height is mitigated by power-assisted running boards that extend and retract automatically.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2014 Navigator's standard feature list is generous. Among the major items are automatic xenon headlights, 10-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and cooling, heated 2nd-row seats, a power-foldable 60/40-split 3rd-row seat, rearview camera, a keyless-entry keypad for the driver's door and power-adjustable pedals. On the technology front, there are voice-activated navigation with SiriusXM satellite radio and Travel Link, HD Radio and a 14-speaker THX II-certified audio system. Standard safety features include a full complement of airbags, trailer-sway control and Lincoln's MyKey system, which allows individual tailoring of driver alerts and warnings.

Optional Equipment

With just a single trim level, the Navigator only asks buyers to choose a length (standard or L) and a driveline, 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive (2WD or 4WD). An available option group offers a power moonroof and the Monochrome Limited Edition Package, which adds tasteful monochromatic accents, olive ash interior wood trim and premium leather seats with black inserts and piping. Stand-alone options include a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, a Class IV trailer towing package, remote starting system and 20-inch chrome alloy wheels.

Under the Hood

The 2014 Navigator is powered by a 5.4-liter V8. It delivers its 310 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque smoothly but that's frankly not a lot of power for a vehicle of this size, especially when fully loaded. The 6-speed automatic transmission has a tow/haul mode. The available 4-wheel drive (4WD) system uses a 2-speed transfer case with optional electronic shift-on-the-fly capability. In low range it switches the engine's electronic throttle control to a special off-road calibration for more precise torque management in the worst conditions, such as climbing steep, slippery hills.

Best vehicle I have ever drivin.

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating

10/10

Value

10/10

Reliability

10/10

Quality

10/10

Performance

10/10

Styling

10/10

Comfort

10/10

Pros: "A pleasure to drive"

Cons: "Bad Headrest. Not adjustable"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I own a 2013 Lincoln Navigator, and I LOVE it, can't say any thing more than that.
My only complaint is the Headrest tilts to far forward, can't adjust. It might work for driving dummies, but not for me.
I have been driving for 55 Years and had a lot of vehicles, this is with out a doubt the best. My first car was a 1950 Ford custom. I have purchased at least twenty nine cars in that time, Cadillac, Pontiac. Mercury, Chrysler, and then the Navigator.
A really nice machine. Thanks for listening."

"This is a great luxury SUV that beats Escalade in every category except one: sales. Snappy for a large vehicle, comfortable for big people, easy to drive, and has all the bells and whistles. Can't say enough about this SUV!"

Nothing compares

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating

10/10

Value

10/10

Reliability

10/10

Quality

10/10

Performance

10/10

Styling

10/10

Comfort

10/10

Pros: "I love it"

Cons: "none"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Cadillac, Mercedes, Lexus and others have nothing on the navigator that matters. True GM has great colors but I'm speaking from a mechanics point of view. First, just routine minor maintenance. We expect that. Next, full independent suspension, handles great, much like a smaller vehicle, great diver feedback without a harsh feel. great braking for a vehicle this size. Great acceleration but it is not a mustang or vette. Who is going to drive a luxury SUV at triple digit speeds? keyless entry!!! (combination on door) power, full folding flat seats! Escalade doesn't have it. Everything on interior looks real, not an after thought like the Cadillac added at the last moment. Great seats, steering wheel controls, navigation, radio and climate controls easy to use and understand. Bottom line, Ford got this right and everyone else are wanna bee's. I would buy another one if I needed to but baring something unforeseen, this truck will last me a long long time. Gas mileage ain't great but not bad either. 70-75 miles per hour fully loaded around 18+ mpg. Around 500 miles on a road trip."

"I don't do a lot of in-town driving. This vehicle REALLY shines on road trips. Whether with my (tall) family or with my buddies, the car is the ultimate road trip machine. Comfort and luxury is practically unmatched. Gas mileage is on the low side, but I can get 19 mpg with the cruise control set at 70-75 mph; not bad for a vehicle of this size. And speaking of size, if a distracted driver (of which there are far too many on the roads today) plows into me, chances are THEY are being taken away in the ambulance, not me or any member of my family. Love this vehicle, would buy another one in a heartbeat."